Starc’s half-century helps Australia to 371 in AdelaideScott BaileyAAPThu, 18 December 2025 8:22AM
Mitchell Starc’s half-century has helped Australia add some valuable runs early on day two, before they were bowled out for 371 in the third Ashes Test.
After the hosts resumed on 8-326 and with Starc on 33, the left-hander hit five boundaries through the offside before being bowled by Jofra Archer on 54.
Scott Boland (14 not out) and Nathan Lyon (9) then added a further 23 for the final wicket, before Archer claimed his fifth for the innings with Lyon lbw.
Starc’s runs could well prove vital, just as his time at the crease on the way to 77 did in the second Test at the Gabba earlier this month.
The No.9 was able to hang around long enough to get Alex Carey to his century and Australia to stumps on day one, after coming to the crease at 7-271.
His 54 marked a 13th career half-century, with the quick Australia’s fourth-leading run-scorer for the series with 143 at an average of 47.66.
As handy as Starc’s runs were, England again bowled poorly early on Thursday in the 8.2-over stint, again too short and wide in the opening exchanges.
Archer was by far their best on both days, after a difficult few Tests in Perth and Brisbane, rebounding with pace and accuracy in Adelaide to finish with 5-53.
Australia will no doubt have liked more after winning the toss and batting first, with four partnerships of 50 or more but none over 100.
Temperatures are forecast to soar to 39C in Adelaide, meaning time at the crease could be key for the usually free-wheeling English side.
The tourists must win to stay in the battle, with a draw or victory for Australia enough for the hosts to retain the Ashes for a fifth straight series.
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